Electrical Brain Stimulation (FBS Techniques)

[Earthatic]

If a device was used to directly stimulate the areas of the brain that are associated with self-awareness and rational thought (frontal lobe), which have decreased activity during dream states, how well would that work? I think it's worth experimenting with. This method could be a great alternative to lucid dreaming masks (NovaDreamer, Remee). Unfortunately, you'd have to be willing to put a hole in your skull. What do you guys think?

[Matte87]

Not to mention you'd probably wake up from having your brain zapped. Seriously though, maybe, sounds plausible.

[Sensei]

Might not need a whole in your skull, electricity can travel through skin. Have you ever been electrocuted? It is freaky. I think it might be possible, but not very easily done, and there is no guarantee that you would wake up in the morning. I would rather spend a few months writing down dreams, reading up on LDing, and watching my sleeping habits rather than go through that.

[Earthatic]

Going through the skin might not be effective, since it may take selective stimulation of the deeper parts of the brain. It would be similar to a brain pacemaker. Yeah, I'm not sure if most would be willing to go through that process. Still, it could be very reliable and easy to use.

[Sensei]

Yeah, maybe if we get a lot better at sending messages to the brain. Pain seems to activate it, as well as fear. :/ might be able to do something with that as well. I have been trying to have a nightmare since I was 9, because I used to become lucid during them, I normally woke myself up, but a few times I explored because I couldn't remember how to wake myself up.

[EmoScreamo]

Tadas Stumbrys, a german lucid dream researcher does experiments with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at the moment at the university of Heidelberg. You find one german video at youtube by Alice Grinda about this topic.

[neuralswarm]

Really cool, EmoScreamo! TMS was just what I was thinking. Here's the link, seven minutes worth watching: lucid dreaming in the sleep laboratory - luzides Träumen im Schlaflabor - YouTube

[Patrick]

Deep Brain Stimulation is currently used to treat a variety of things such as Parkinson's disease and psychiatric disorders. It involves implanting electrodes into the brain to stimulate certain areas, at the control of the patient who has a battery implanted under their chest skin. Although the procedure has generally met with great success, behavioural side-effects such as increased suicidality, impulsivity and depression have been noted. Additionally, any invasive brain surgery carries risks such as hemorrhage and infection. So I can't imagine anyone would want to risk this procedure just for the chance to induce lucid dreams.

[Earthatic]

^ There are more extreme forms of escapism.

[Patrick]

I suppose that may be true. But since lucid dreaming is already possible naturally (all you need is practice), DBS is an unnecessary risk.

[Sensei]

True, I went sky diving for the sheer enjoyment of it. Not the most dangerous of things, but I would say that the reward for LDs is a lot higher than than sky diving. I however like the idea of having to be more in touch with reality to realize when you are not in it. Getting to realize your sleeping patterns and writing down your dreams seems to have plenty of other benefits, so I will just be using normal methods.

[IAmCoder]

I believe that I can feel the current when wearing an electroencephalograph to sleep, but have not yet noticed any measurable effects on my dreams. I have also gone sky-diving a couple of times and found it rather disappointing compared to flying while awake in a dream!

[Sensei]

I find flying better as well. And if I liked skt diving better then I could just simulate it. I did once by flying a car really high and jumping out. This was when I was struggling to fly. It actually worked.